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Sunday, March 9, 2025
Hope When Evil is Overwhelming // David Mok
Do you ever wonder why it sometimes feels like the “bad guys” keep winning? In Daniel 8, the prophet sees a vision of a mighty ram, a swift goat, and a terrifying ruler who dares to wage war against God’s people. Historically, these images point to the rise and fall of empires—most notably Persia and Greece—showing us that oppressive regimes may look invincible, yet they are ultimately no match for God’s authority. This chapter doesn’t downplay the reality of suffering; it acknowledges that evil can wreak havoc for a season, but it also underscores a profound theological truth: God’s justice stands unshaken amidst even the darkest trials. So how do we face these battles today? By putting on the full armor of God—fighting not with human strength, but with faith, righteousness, and God’s Word at our side. This vision challenges us to remain steadfast in our convictions and trust that God’s plan will prevail in His perfect timing. Feeling surrounded by opposition or discouraged by the latest headlines? Don’t lose heart. Come discover how this ancient prophecy can fortify your faith, ignite your endurance, and remind you that no act of evil goes unanswered in the eyes of a just and powerful God. You’ll walk away ready to face life’s battles with renewed confidence in the victory that’s already guaranteed.
The Second Vision from the Lord to Daniel
The Power Shift and Chaos to Come
Daniel 8:1-4 ESV - 1 In the third year of the reign of King Belshazzar a vision appeared to me, Daniel, after that which appeared to me at the first. 2 And I saw in the vision; and when I saw, I was in Susa the citadel, which is in the province of Elam. And I saw in the vision, and I was at the Ulai canal. 3 I raised my eyes and saw, and behold, a ram standing on the bank of the canal. It had two horns, both high, but one was higher than the other, and the higher one came up last. 4 I saw the ram charging westward and northward and southward. No beast could stand before him, and no one could rescue from his power. He did as he pleased and became great.
Go to God When We Don’t Understand
Daniel 8:15-19 ESV - 15 When I, Daniel, had seen the vision, I sought to understand it. And behold, there stood before me one having the appearance of a man. 16 And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of the Ulai, and it called, “Gabriel, make this man understand the vision.” 17 So he came near where I stood. And when he came, I was frightened and fell on my face. But he said to me, “Understand, O son of man, that the vision is for the time of the end.”
18 And when he had spoken to me, I fell into a deep sleep with my face to the ground. But he touched me and made me stand up. 19 He said, “Behold, I will make known to you what shall be at the latter end of the indignation, for it refers to the appointed time of the end.
God Remains Sovereign
God's Steadfast Love for His Children
Ezra 1:2-3 ESV - 2 “Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. 3 Whoever is among you of all his people, may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and rebuild the house of the LORD, the God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem.
James 2:13 ESV - 3 For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
The Prevalence of Evil
Daniel 8:9-11 ESV - 9 Out of one of them came a little horn, which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the glorious land. 10 It grew great, even to the host of heaven. And some of the host and some of the stars it threw down to the ground and trampled on them. 11 It became great, even as great as the Prince of the host. And the regular burnt offering was taken away from him, and the place of his sanctuary was overthrown.
In His Time
Daniel 8:13-14 ESV - 13 Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to the one who spoke, “For how long is the vision concerning the regular burnt offering, the transgression that makes desolate, and the giving over of the sanctuary and host to be trampled underfoot?” 14 And he said to me, “For 2,300 evenings and mornings. Then the sanctuary shall be restored to its rightful state.”
God’s Justice will Prevail over Evils
Daniel 8:13-14 ESV - 24 His power shall be great—but not by his own power; and he shall cause fearful destruction and shall succeed in what he does, and destroy mighty men and the people who are the saints. 25 By his cunning he shall make deceit prosper under his hand, and in his own mind he shall become great. Without warning he shall destroy many. And he shall even rise up against the Prince of princes, and he shall be broken—but by no human hand.
Pain and Suffering Shall Ground Us
Three Types of Suffering
Proverbs 22:3 ESV – 3 The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.
2 Corinthians 1:8-9 ESV - 8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.
John 15:18 – 19 ESV – 18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
1 Peter 4:12 – 14 ESV – 12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
Putting on the Full Armor of God
Ephesians 6:13-18 ESV - 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
Turning Our Eyes Upon Jesus
Hebrews 12:2 ESV - 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Dreams and Visions of Mercy and Love
Habakkuk 2:2-3 ESV - 2 And the LORD answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. 3 For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.
